Question

A client at 16 weeks' gestation comes to the office for a routine exam. At what location within the abdomen would the nurse anticipate the uterus to be found?

Answer 1

Answer:

Halfway between the symphysis pubis (pubic hairline) and the umbilicus (belly button /navel)

Explanation:

As the pregnancy progresses, the uterus enlarges and enters the abdominal cavity. At 16 weeks, the nurse should be able to palpate the uterus halfway between the symphysis pubis and the umbilicus.

The doctors measure the uterus by measuring the distance from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus in centimeters. The top of the uterus is caled fundus.

So, by about 16 weeks of pregnancy ,the fundus which is the top of the uterus has grown to about halfway between the pubic hairline and the belly button (navel) . It is usually felt when lying down.